Aotearoa Music Awards 2025 Recap
Thursday 29 May 2025
The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards celebrated six decades of New Zealand's musical excellence at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Official Music Charts. The event highlighted both established icons and emerging talents across diverse genres.
Fazerdaze, the moniker of Amelia Murray, emerged as a standout, clinching both Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist for her third album, Soft Power. This marks a significant return for the Christchurch-based artist, whose introspective indie-pop resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Lorde secured Single of the Year for her collaboration with Charli XCX, "Girl, so confusing featuring lorde." Her surprise appearance at the awards followed the release of her new single "Man of the Year," hinting at an upcoming album titled Virgin.
Earth Tongue, the heavy psych duo from Wellington, was honored as Best Group, while Stan Walker received accolades for Best Māori Artist and Mana Reo for his te reo Māori anthem "Māori Ki Te Ao."
The Te Manu Mātārae award, recognizing significant impact on the music landscape, was bestowed upon L.A.B and electronic artist 9Lives. L.A.B's achievements in 2024 included chart-topping albums and a successful international tour, while 9Lives gained international acclaim with collaborations and streaming milestones.
Other notable winners included Aaradhna for Best Soul/RnB Artist with Sweet Surrender, Holly Arrowsmith for Best Folk Artist with Blue Dreams, and Jim Nothing for Best Alternative Artist with Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn.
The People's Choice award went to Devilskin, reflecting their enduring popularity in the rock and metal scene. Breakthrough Artist of the Year was awarded to Hori Shaw, whose single "Back in My Arms" has maintained a strong presence on the charts.
The ceremony, co-hosted by Kara Rickard and Jesse Mulligan, was livestreamed by RNZ and will be available for streaming on TVNZ+. The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards not only honored current achievements but also paid tribute to the rich history of New Zealand music over the past 60 years.
